CARLOS TEVEZ has confirmed he wishes to leave Manchester City and called the situation “regrettable”.

Tevez has responded quickly to City’s confirmation that they had turned down a transfer request from the Argentinian striker and hinted they would hold him to a contract that is not due to expire until 2014.

However, Tevez’s mind is made up, as he outlined in a statement.

“I can confirm I have handed a transfer request to the chairman of Manchester City Football Club,” said the 26-year-old.

“Now I need to clear my head and think because this is an important part of my career.

“My feelings have not changed and it is regrettable that we have reached this situation.

“But it is something I have felt for some time and have spent many hours thinking this through.”

Tevez revealed that he first asked to leave the Blues this summer but was talked out of taking such drastic action by long-time advisor Kia Joorabchian.

That the controversial Iranian businessman should now be singled out by City for their irritation only threatens to backfire on them, given Tevez is now fuming, his relationship with certain members of the Blues hierarchy now irretrievably damaged.

“I hugely resent the management’s suggestions that I have been unduly influenced by others,” said Tevez.

“I wanted to leave in the summer, but was convinced to return to the club. Sadly, my feelings have not changed.

“I am disappointed that the management should now see fit to try to portray the situation in another light.

“My relationship with certain executives and individuals at the club has broken down and is now beyond repair.

“I do not wish to expand on this at this stage. They know, because I have told them.”

“I wish to clarify that I have no personal issue with the manager Roberto Mancini,” he added. “I would like to thank Sheik Mansour for his understanding and support.”